It doesn't really even deserve a one star. Patti is a horrible human being and a scammer. Do not go in here because she WILL peer pressure you to buy something then when it doesn't work out for you and you try to return it, she refuses! Saying it's your fault and your choice. She will yell at you in front of customers and shows no respect for your time and business. Just call your bank and have it disputed. You'll get your money back wether she likes it or not and frankly, she deserves to feel defeated. I had one of her associates helping me out and right in front of me she snaps her fingers and tells her to hurry up with me so she can move on to the next. I couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes. RUDE RUDE RUDE! Take your business else where people. read more

I purchased over $500 worth of orthotic footwear from this shop in a one time transaction in the summer of 2017 at the Pearl Kai store. After coming home, I felt that their plastic "custom orthotics" (they just grab them from the back of the store after your foot analysis- NOT CUSTOM ORDERED TO YOUR SPECIFIC FEET!), felt hard and made my feet sore. Shortly after, I saw the owner, Pam or Pat, at the Senior Fair and tried to talk to her. She looked right at me and said, "Can't you see I'm trying to help someone?" I backed off and left. A few days later, I called the Kapiolani store and she answered the phone. I proceeded to tell her my story , probably got in one sentence when she cut me off AGAIN and said, "Listen, I'm with someone right now so can you hurry? What are you trying to say?" I immediately said to her, "Excuse me, I'm telling you my story!" She listened to a sentence more then said, "Just come in and I'll help you." Rude! I went to the store a few days later and was greeted by a much friendlier staff who called the owner to ask if I could return the plastic orthotics. I saw the "No Returns" sign but just wanted an even exchange. The owner, who was speaking so loud that I could hear her from the counter said, "No, she can not return it!" I even asked if I could get an even exchange and I would pay more for a pair of shoes. The answer was no! I have never ever received such HORRIFIC service from an owner. Owners with this kind of mindset do not deserve my business or anyone else's. She is not the only orthotic footwear store in Hawaii, there's a much friendlier one at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center whose products are wonderful. I gave this store a one star because of the poor lady who worked there. Do not give the owner any business. RUDE and OBNOXIOUS! You can't just sell any product and not listen to a customer's review! I felt like she was telling me, "Too bad, suck it up!" Evil! read more

I could not be happier with the results that I got from buying the full program ($ 515.00) from Sandy. My gait is much more fluid and graceful now, and I walk freely without knee pain. I read a lot of negative reviews here, but my experience was completely positive. I was not looking to spend $500 for shoes, but I am glad that I did. It is truly amazing the difference in the way I am walking now- it feels like I am 30 years younger. If you are experiencing any discomfort from walking, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Don't let all the bad reviews keep you away. Some of us actually had a positive outcome. And contrary to what some have said, it does say "all sales final" on the receipt. Thank you Sandy for the great service ! read more

The owner (the old white, decrepit looking female) is rude, inconsistent and a dishonest business owner. She's taking advantage of the local people and our willingness to trust her as a business owner. She does not accept returned items, does not listen to your concerns and is extremely arrogant. . . Buy only if your completely satisfied. NO RETURNS Check your receipt before leaving she will not refund even if it's her fault. NO REFUNDS read more

Wish there was a zero star. Wow..amazing is all I can say about the in consideration and lack of any sort of retail skills. So unhelpful, unprepared. They say 3 strikes your out...well I should have given up on the first strike. Don't waste your time, they have a horrible selection, no suggestions, nothing in an average size shoe...ridiculous. their solution, try their Honolulu store...wtf. paying over $800. Can't find the proper size...I am wasting my time yelping to save others from my disappointment. No customer satisfaction after the sale or even a bit of help...wow coming from a female is not a good thing, rather can't believe what I am witnessing. Save your time shop some place else..online maybe!!! read more

I thought the service here was by far some of the best on the island. Went in for arch supports for my feet although kind of pricey but I know will help in the long run. I walked in and was automatically helped. If you ever come here ask for Ron. He was by far the coolest guy and knew his stuff. I learned so much just by sitting there for 10 minutes. He took a copy of my footprint and went over all my problem areas I was having, I didn't even need to tell him. He was so helpful and so easy to talk to. I didn't feel pressured at all to buy my new insoles at all. Go and check Ron out for all your foot needs. Great service. I'll definitely be back. read more

I went to the new Honolulu location, where there is free parking in the condo behind the store. I'm going to get knee replacement in 6 months, and my orthopod told me that I had really flat feet (news to me!) and should look at inserts while I wait for my surgery. The service I received at Step Ahead was terrific. True, I was the only person there at the time, but the salesman (and owner) taught me a lot, demonstrated that I really do have no arches at all, had a sense of humor, did not push me to buy anything. I bought two dress sandals and one pair of walking shoes. If you read the instructions, you learn to wear them only a couple of hours per day and work your way up. My calves ached like h..ll at first, but now I really look forward to putting these shoes on. The only reason I didn't give the place 5 stars, is it is pricey. Also, the dude who made fun of the lady in the ads was just mean! Knock it off! Not acceptable. read more

I had a bad experience here and I'm not sure why my previous review is gone. I was being pressured into buying something I wasn't comfortable with and I simply stated that I was going to see my doctor instead of a store that seemed to just want to make a sale. The other issue was that the parking is horrendous, but I was mainly upset with my experience and I don't appreciate having the truth be hidden from the public. read more

The arch supports and insoles are great! the trick is learning how to use them - it takes a while to adapt, and they should only be worn for short periods as your feet adjust to the new position. I read other reviews in which people complained because they wore the new supports all day for the first day - which is absurd. Even if you get custom orthotics from a podiatrist, they require a lengthy break-in; usually just thirty minutes the first day, then an hour, then two hours, and so on. While I agree that the "keeping your balance" test lacks integrity, the products sold by Step Ahead gave me back my feet - and another chance to hike, run, and live my life. Thanks, Step Ahead! read more

Great investment for your entire body. My knee's and back have never felt better in over a decade. A little pricey but when it comes to comfort and no pain, It is worth spending a little more on YOU! read more

Wanted to purchase shoes but not even greeted upon entering the store! Associate seated behind counter carrying on conversation. I'm walking back and forth to attract attention but to no avail! What pisses me off is she's carrying on a conversation about something other than feet or shoes and doesn't even acknowledge me! I move slowly to the door for one more acknowledgement but alas not one look!!! One star for nice air conditioning. read more

I was having major foot problems in the ball of my foot. Shooting pains and it felt like I was walking on a rock all the time. I had gone to the competitors across the street but they offered no help and just pointed me to a corner. I left and went straight to Step Ahead. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and helped. They sat me down and took a print of my foot. They showed me exactly where my problems were and told me why. They then showed me shoes slippers and orthotics that all felt so good and helped me walk again. I bought shoes and orthotics the first time then went back and bought the slippers. My foot problems were gone in about 5 days and I continue to wear everything. The staff is amazing and knowledgeable and do not pressure you to buy! I have recommended to all my friends! I have even started running again! Check them out and don't waste your money ( or time) elsewhere! read more

I started a yelp account just to make this review because I wanted to share my experience with the windstep orthotic insoles and because of their ALL SALES FINAL policy and because of the $160 cost of the windstep insoles. These orthotic insoles didn't work for me, the salesperson (who's name I won't mention because this review is about the product) assured me that it would help get me through my work shift and ease my aching feet. (I'm on my feet for 6 to 8 hours per shift) but it actually made my feet hurt worse and I had to remove them half way through my shift. I tried on 3 different sizes when I was there and bought the size that was recommended for me by the salesperson. read more

Very knowledgeable very helpful but follows the Econ pricing model of "what the market will bear." Know your pricing before purchasing because there are no returns. Can you say buyers remorse argh read more

This is a late posting. I walked in looking for slippers with a good arch support. The salespersons just went to a section with men's slippers because my feet are wide. He asked what size I was. As I was trying to tell him, he cut me off and said, "just tell me what size you are?!" Dude, don't try to just shove me out the door because I'm not there to buy inserts! He didn't even bother to measure my feet! Very rude! read more

Don't let Patty talk you into buying arch supports. I was in the store for three hours and left with two different arch supports and sandals. Followed her instruction on how to wear the arch supports and still can't get used to them. Went to see a podiatrist and ordered supports from him and loved them. I felt like she was just selling me the arch supports just to make a sale. Also heard her one the phone talking with her staff at the pearl Kai location and was asking the person how sales were. Would you think it is something you discuss in private and not in front of customers? read more

Too expensive and you cant return anything even if youve never used it. She said all sales final for the ortho inserts and not for the shoes. Tried to speak to the manager and she didnt call me back. Only had her sales associate call me but blamed the owner. For you military they have the same exact shoes and sandals at way cheaper prices. Dont buy here and I will never go there again. read more

I could hardly walk a block before I entered this store. I left completely pain-free. Went back after a few weeks because I thought maybe the arch was too much. They switched them out, no questions asked, free of charge, with a smile. Ended up getting a second set to reduce humbug a little. Pricey, but worth every penny to me! Great product; great folks. read more

I would like to send a Big Mahalo to Tiana!!!! Last night my husband & I walked in 10 mins to closing with painful feet & Tiana hooked us up... she took her time to give us a full assessment of our feet, had us try 2 different types of foot inserts. We decided to purchase the inserts hopefully this will give us the comfort not only in our feet but also our back....Tiana is very knowledgeable, has great customer service skills... 2 thumbs up for Tiana read more

Our feet carry's the weight of our world on a daily basis. When 'Good Feet' was in Ala Moana my husband and I purchased the orthotics and it was pricey. Then we put it in storage until our daughter c/o knee pain and is under medical supervision. We heard of Step Ahead and she was fitted with a firm orthotic insert and she immediately felt the difference. She uses it in her slipper and flat shoes. Because of re-education by Tammy we pulled out our very similar or same, but different color 'Good Feet' orthotics and my husband who works on his feet c/o knee, hip and feet pain has had fewer complaints after using these inserts again. I have adjusted to using it again and will continue to use it. Also, Step Ahead offers a program to purchase your second orthotic inserts for half price if bought within 30 days. In our experience, purchasing the cheaper drugstore brands amounted to no cost savings for us. read more

I didn't shop around and was in excruciating pain! I walked in and the other sales guy-not white, not blonde, not a lady--got me into some heavy duty orthotics $235 that I've put into my gym shoes. They took the pressure off the pain I was feeling immediately!!! And I even got on treadmill and did a 2 hr 3.5mile walk uphill last night. Didn't solve all the problems... But can cope and rebuild fallen arches from climbing, dancer heels, slippers, and past 20 years of fashion shoes that Just Fab just killed it!!! read more

They are so so helpful. I have plantar Fasciitis and had surgery for it that did not help, I still was in horrible pain months after. I went it to get slippers because it's Hawaii I don't want to wear shoes all the time and it was the best purchase I have ever made. They are so comfortable and the arch support is perfect. They were so patient as I tried on so many different pairs until I found the ones I wanted although they were all comfy I wanted the most comfortable. I then started grooming dogs and had to get shoes that I could wear all day without the pain overwhelming me, before going in to get these shoes I could barely make it through work and could not walk once I got home. I am so happy with my Klogs yeah they are not the most stylish and they did give me more stylish options but I was looking for comfort not style. I will be going back for shoes to workout in soon. I went to the foot store in pearl ridge mall just to check it out and it was a horrible experience. Seems like they hire whoever and they are not knowledgable or have any care to spend time to help you. This is not the case with step ahead, they know what they are talking about, they are not only willing but want to help you. I just can't say enough about how awesome they are but I think I should wrap this up. Help your feet and stop in you won't be disappointed. Oh and p.s. My feet are so much better from wearing shoes from here all the time!!! read more

BUYER BEWARE - I did not know at time of purchase today that there is an "all sales are final" policy at the Ala Moana Step Ahead store!! I was promised 30 days of help to adjust to two sets of orthodic inserts and cushions they said I needed for my high arches. Very pricey $335!! I didn't know the price until I got the sales slip as products are not marked. I decided not to buy the walking shoes she had me try on, but foolishly bought the insoles since the sales person/owner (?) had done such a good job convincing me I needed them. I left the store wearing the "soft" insert in my sandals, but right away they felt uncomfortable. I wore them for about a half hour and then decided I'd return them for a refund. When I called the shop, the sales woman/owner (?) said all sales are final. What a shock. I said I'd keep the inserts I'd worn but wanted a refund for the ones I had not worn. She repeated the 30 day offer to help me adjust to the inserts and suggested I could buy better shoes/sandals from them if I wanted. I am planning to buy new walking shoes but not from Step Ahead! FYI - I DO RECOMMEND inserts from the Ultimate Shoe store and Sports Authority. I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot but after experimenting and wearing lifts and arch supports for 9 months in closed toed shoes from both of those stores, the pain all but disappeared. Then I got lazy and started wearing sandals again this past month. When I started to feel some pain again, I decided to check out Step Ahead. I am so sorry I did. I should have checked YELP reviews sooner. For the amount I paid I could have had my physician design inserts specific to my foot requirements. read more

DO NOT SHOP AT THE 725 KAPIOLANI ST STORE! I bought a pair of running shoes that were defective and took them back 3 days later. I was then told they do not refund your purchase you can only get a store credit. So I was forced to 'buy' another pair of the same shoes that were defective. The second pair was also defective so I took those back to the weird lady with badly dyed blond hair. She again refused to give me a refund and insisted I wait for a new pair of shoes (Hoka) that were coming in soon. This was in October 2013. Here it is December 2013 and still she has not got the Hoka shoes in and still REFUSES to give me a refund. I told her it's not fair to me that she sells defective shoes and then is not able to get the Hoka shoes in. She is the most flakey business owner I have ever met. I am also filing a complaint with the DCCA Business Registration and the Better Business Bureau and contacting Action Line to get my money back. read more

Buyer Beware! I wish I would have read ALL the Yelp reviews before going to their Honolulu store. I agree with all the dissatisfied customers regarding their purposefully misleading return policy. During the entire process of getting fitted for an orthotic insert, Patti, the co-owner, kept repeating her "script"about having 30 days to be completely satisfied. I had no reason not to believe her and so I spent $420 on two inserts and one pair of shoes. Once I got home and walked around with the inserts, within 10 minutes, my feet hurt. I was sincere in my efforts to try and adjust to the inserts by giving my feet periods of rest without the inserts, but nothing worked. I simply couldn't make them work. When I went back to return the inserts, before the 30 days, I was stunned by Patti's change in demeanor, and policy! She immediately started shaking her head and said "all sales are final." When I reminded her that she kept repeating that I had 30 days, she looked down and said, "we will make adjustments to the inserts within 30 days but we have a no return policy." I was truly taken aback. I thought maybe she just was referring to the inserts and then asked about returning the shoes. I was further taken aback when Patti refused to refund the shoes as well! I am going to the Better Business Bureau next. How can a shoe store refuse to return their own shoes? In my opinion they purposefully tried to hide the fact that there are no returns, especially by the way they emphasized the 30 days spiel. I don't believe that this is a reputable way to do business. With the high prices they charge, I assume this must be their business strategy. This is my warning to others, please beware. read more

Purchased a pair of FitFlops a week ago and the strap on one side started to fray so I went in to do an exchange and it was more difficult than I thought it would be considering on the day of purchase me & my husband spent a total of $250. I didn't have my receipt because I've been buying foot wear from them for the past 3 years now and they have all their customers in their computers database, but all of f a sudden they telling me I'm not in their system "oh really?" Is that so? interesting I thought. Anyways the worker had to call the boss lady Patti on the phone for approval to do the exchange & Patti & I was going back & forth unnecessarily "Really Patti?" U are in the retail business how do you not honor refunds at all let alone exchanges with out any hassles? I think your in the wrong business lady. I will take my business to the Ultimate Foot Store the next time I need to spend money on new FitFlops read more

the arch support wasn't for me. however, the step ahead no hassle return policy was excellent!

Went in for some comfort in soles but got dupe with some orthotics that aggravated my gout. BEWARE THEY DO NOT DO ANY REFUND AND PRICES ARE RIDICULES. DO'NT GET DUPED. WHY WOULD THERE BE NO PRICING FOR ANY PRODUCTS? SOMETHING IS TERRIBLY WRONG! When I asked for a store credit because all sales are final the customer service agents at the Pearl Kai store told me that I need to talk to the owner Patti on the phone and she said that I need to get another pair of orthotics in soles, told her that my medical doctor said that these in soles aggravated my gout then she said she wanted to see a doctor's note. Then I told her if I get the doctor's note I don't want a store credit but my $356 back then she changed her tone. She said the I was arguing with her and that I was not going to get anything if I continue to argue with her. She was rude and then she said she will authorize the store credit. CUSTOMERS BEWARE!!! Buyers remorse. read more